EAC 2015 • Milan (Italy) September 6-11, 2015

GENERAL INFORMATION

Passport & Visa

European citizens whose countries are in the Schengen Area can enter Italy on a valid identity card or passport. They include all the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area.Citizens from all other countries must show their passports and, where a visa is required, this must be presented to the border authorities, indicating the length of the holder's stay and his or her destination. Visa applications - specifying the reason for the trip - must be obtained at the Italian Consulate in the applicant's country of residence and are generally issued 90 days after application. For additional information see: www.esteri.itAs visa regulations are continuously changing, we strongly recommend you to consult the official website of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (www.esteri.it/visti/) for updated and detailed information for foreigners regarding entrance visas for Italy and permits of stay. Information is offered in English and other languages.

Climate & Clothing

September in Milan is relatively warm and sunny. The average low and high temperature in the second week of September is 20 - 25°C, respectively. Light clothing is suitable for day time, and a light jacket may be useful for the night.

Language

In Milan, visited year round by tourists from all over the world, English is currently spoken.

Money

The Italian currency is the Euro, "EUR = €." Exchange rates of participating countries are locked into a common currency. Notes come in denominations of €500, €200, €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and €1, and 50, 20, 10, five, two and one cents.

ATMs

ATMs (known in Italy as bancomat) are widely available in Milan and most will accept cards tied into the Visa, Amex, MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro systems. As a precaution, though, check that the appropriate logo is displayed on the ATM before inserting your card. Banks opening hours are 08:30 to 13:30 and 14:45 to 15:45, Monday to Friday.

Credit cards

Major cards such as Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, Cirrus, Amex and Eurocheques are widely accepted.

Tipping

In Italy service, which usually ranges from 1 to 3 Euros depending on the restaurant, is automatically added to the check and must be visible on the menu. Therefore, there is no need to tip. Normally, however, Italians just round up the bill, by a few Euros. Hotel staff, such as luggage handlers, happily accepts a small tip. Generally, no other public service workers expect tips. Also remember to take your receipt, even if paying cash. It is required by the law as you must be able to prove that you paid and the owner rang it in for tax purposes.